Photobiological measurement apparatus

ABSTRACT

A photobiological measurement apparatus 1 may include a second received light quantity information calculation unit 33 for calculating measurement data relating to cerebral activity, a data display controller for displaying the measurement data for a specified area of a subject&#39;s brain, is characterized: is being provided with a reference light-receiving probe 14, which is disposed at a position separated by a first setting distance r1 from the light-transmitting prober 12 that is shorter than a second setting distance r2, and a first received light quantity information calculating unit 32, which calculates skin blood flow data relating to the skin blood flow using first received light quantity information ΔA1 from the light transmitting probe 12 to the reference light-receiving probe 14, and in displaying the skin blood flow data at a specified position of the subject&#39;s scalp by indicating the measurement position on the subject&#39;s scalp and displaying the skin blood data.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/524,108, filed on Oct. 27, 2014 and issued on Jun. 13, 2017 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,675,260, which is a continuation of International Application PCT/JP2012/061059, with an international filing date of Apr. 25, 2012, the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a photobiological measurement apparatus, and more specifically to a photobiological measurement apparatus for measuring cerebral activity in a noninvasive manner.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

In recent years, for the purpose of observing cerebral activity status, an optical cerebral function imaging apparatus capable of conveniently measuring cerebral activity status using lights in a noninvasive manner has been developed. In such an optical cerebral function imaging apparatus, a light-transmitting probe arranged on a scalp surface of a subject irradiates near-infrared light of three different types of wavelengths λ₁, λ₂, λ₃ (e.g., 780 nm, 805 nm, 830 nm) on to a brain. While, a light-receiving probe arranged on the scalp surface detects an intensity change (received light quantity information) ΔA(λ₁), ΔA(λ₂), ΔA(λ₃) of each of the near-infrared lights of wavelengths λ₁, λ₂, λ₃ reflected from the brain.

In order to obtain the product of the change in oxyhemoglobin concentration and the optical path length [oxyHb] in a cerebral blood flow and the product of the change in deoxyhemoglobin and the optical path length [deoxyHb] from received light quantity information ΔA(λ₁), ΔA(λ₂), ΔA(λ₃) obtained as mentioned above, equations (1), (2) and (3) using a Modified Beer Lambert law may be solved. Further, from the product of the change in oxyhemoglobin concentration and the optical path length [oxyHb] and the product of the change in deoxyhemoglobin and the optical path length [deoxyHb], a product of the change in total hemoglobin and the optical path length ([oxyHb]+[deoxyHb]) is calculated. ΔA(λ₁)=E _(O)(λ₁)×[oxyHb]+E _(d)(λ₁)×[deoxyHb]  (1) ΔA(λ₂)=E _(O)(λ₂)×[oxyHb]+E _(d)(λ₂)×[deoxyHb]  (2) ΔA(λ₃)=E _(O)(λ₃)×[oxyHb]+E _(d)(λ₃)×[deoxyHb]  (3)

E₀(λ_(m)) denotes an absorbance coefficient of oxyhemoglobin in the light having a wavelength λm, and E_(d)(λ_(m)) denotes an absorbance coefficient of deoxyhemoglobin in the light having a wavelength λ_(m).

Here, the relation between a distance (channel) between a light-transmitting probe and a light-receiving probe and a measurement position will be explained. FIGS. 7A and 7B show a relation between a pair of light-transmitting probe and light-receiving probe and a measurement position. A light-transmitting probe 12 is pressed into contact with a light-transmitting point T on a scalp surface of a subject, while a light-receiving probe 13 is pressed into contact with a light-receiving point R on the scalp surface of the subject. The light-transmitting probe 12 irradiates lights, and the light-receiving probe 13 receives lights reflected back to the scalp surface. At this time, lights passed through a banana-shaped region (measurement region) among lights irradiated from the light-transmitting point T on the scalp surface reach the light-receiving point R on the scalp surface. That is, the lights pass through blood vessels existing in the skin close to the light-transmitting point T, blood vessels existing in the brain, and blood vessels existing in the skin close to the light-receiving point R.

Under the circumstances, in order to obtain received light information ΔA relating only to blood vessels existing in the brain, a distance (channel) between the light-transmitting probe 12 and the light-receiving probe 13 is set to a short distance r1 and a distance (channel) between the light-transmitting probe 12 and the light-receiving probe 13 is set to a long distance r2 (see, e.g., Patent Document 1 or non-Patent Document 1). FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a relation between a reference light-receiving probe 14 arranged at a short distance r1 away from the light-transmitting probe 12, a light-receiving probe 13 arranged at a long distance r2 away from the light-transmitting probe 12 and measurement positions. With this, from the channel having the long distance r2, light quantity information ΔA2 is received. Light quantity information ΔA2 relates to blood vessels existing in the skin close to the light-transmitting point T, blood vessels existing in the brain, and blood vessels existing in the skin close to the light-receiving point R2. From the channel having the short distance r1, light quantity information ΔA1 relating only to blood vessels existing in the skin close to the light-transmitting point T (blood vessels existing in the skin close to the light-receiving point R1) is received.

From the received light quantity information ΔA1 and ΔA2 obtained as mentioned above, using the following Equation (4), received light quantity information ΔA relating only to blood vessels existing in the brain is obtained. ΔA=ΔA2−KΔA1  Equation (4)

In Equation (4), in order to obtain the received light quantity information ΔA, it is necessary to specify the coefficient(s) K. See, for example, Non-Patent Document 2 for a method for calculating the coefficient(s) K is disclosed. In this calculation method, the coefficient(s) K is calculated using a least square error.

Further, in an optical cerebral function imaging device, it is performed to respectively measure a product of the density change of oxyhemoglobin and the optical path length [oxyHb], a product of the density change of deoxyhemoglobin and the optical length [deoxyHb], and a product of the density change of total hemoglobin and the optical length ([oxyHb]+[deoxyHb]), which relate to a plurality of measuring points of the brain.

In such an optical cerebral function imaging device, in order to bring eight (8) light-transmitting probes 12 and eight (8) light-receiving probes 13 into contact with a scalp surface of a subject in a predetermined arrangement, a holder (light-transmitting/receiving unit) 130 is used. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing one example of the holder 130 into which eight (8) light-transmitting probes and eight (8) light-receiving probes are inserted.

The light-transmitting probes 12 _(T1) to 12 _(T8) and light-receiving probes 13 _(R1) to 13 _(R8) are arranged alternately such that four (4) probes are arranged in the lengthwise direction and four (4) probes are arranged in the lateral direction. In this arrangement, the second setting distance r2 which is a distance (channel) between the light-transmitting probe 12 _(T1) to 12 _(T8) and the light-receiving probe 13 _(R1) to 13 _(R8) is set to 30 mm. With this, received light quantity information ΔA₂(λ₁), ΔA₂(λ₂), and ΔA₂(λ₃) relating to twenty-four (24) measurement positions on a brain are obtained.

RELATED ART Patent Document

-   PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application     Publication No. 2009-136434

Non-Patented Document

-   NON-PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Rolf B. Saager, and Andrew J. Berger “Direct     characterization and removal of interfering absorption trends in     two-layer turbid media” J. Opt. Soc. Am. A/Vol. 22, No. 9/September     2005. -   NON-PATENT DOCUMENT 2: Francesco Fabbri, Angelo Sassaroli, Michael e     Henry, and Sergio Fantini “Optical measurements of absorption of     changes in two-layered diffusive media” Phys. Med. Biol. 49(2004)     1183-1201.

SUMMARY

Received light quantity information ΔA may be calculated by the calculation method using received light information ΔA1 and ΔA2 and coefficient K as mentioned above. This considers a combination of a pair of light-transmitting probe 12 and light-receiving probe 13, but may not consider all combinations of a plurality of light-transmitting probes 12 _(T1) to 12 _(T8) and a plurality of light-receiving probes 13 _(R1) to 13 _(R8) mounted on the holder 130 of the aforementioned optical cerebral function imaging device. In other words, it was not configured to calculate the received light quantity information ΔA relating to the plural measurement positions (24 positions) on the brain.

In order to calculate the received light quantity information ΔA by the calculation method as mentioned above, a plurality of reference light-receiving probes 14 may be provided so that a short distance r2 is secured with respect to all combinations of light-transmitting probes 12 _(T1) to 12 _(T8) and light-receiving probes 12 _(R1) to 12 _(T8). In some instances, however, it may be considered costly to provide reference light-receiving probes 14 with respect to all combinations of light-transmitting probes 12 _(T1) to 12 _(T8) and light-receiving probes 13 _(R1) to 13 _(R8).

In some embodiments, a method is provided capable of considering received light quantity information ΔA relating only to blood vessels existing in the brain in a plurality of measurement positions of the brain even with a smaller number of reference light-receiving probes. The measurement data may be displayed in a predetermined range of a brain of a subject and also simultaneously display skin blood flow data at a predetermined position of a scalp of the subject. With this, doctors, laboratory technicians, etc., may consider the measurement data with reference to the skin blood flow data.

A photobiological measurement apparatus according to some embodiments includes a light-transmitting/receiving unit having a plurality of light-transmitting probes to be arranged on a scalp surface of a subject and a plurality of light-receiving probes to be arranged on the scalp surface, each of the light-receiving probes being arranged at a position away from the light-transmitting probe by a second setting distance r2, a second received light quantity information calculation unit configured to calculate measurement data relating to cerebral activity using second received light quantity information ΔA2 from the light-transmitting probe to the light-receiving probe, a data display controller configured to display measurement data in a predetermined range of a brain of the subject by respectively displaying the measurement data by indicating measurement positions of the brain of the subject, a reference light-receiving probe arranged at a position away from the light-transmitting probe by a first setting distance r1 shorter than the second setting distance r2, and a first received light quantity information calculation unit configured to calculate skin blood flow data relating to a skin blood flow using first received light quantity information ΔA1 from the light-transmitting probe to the reference light-receiving probe, wherein the data display controller displays the measurement data in the predetermined range of the brain of the subject and the skin blood flow data while showing measurement positions of the scalp of the subject to display skin blood flow data at the predetermined positon of the scalp of the subject.

In this disclosure, the “second setting distance r2” denotes a distance for obtaining received light quantity information relating to blood vessels existing in a skin near the light-transmitting point T, blood vessels existing in the brain, and blood vessels existing in the akin near the light-receiving point R. The “first setting distance r1” denotes a distance for obtaining received light quantity information relating to blood vessels existing in a skin near the light-transmitting point T or the light-receiving point R.

Further, the “predetermined range of the brain of the subject” denotes an arbitral brain range desired to be measured, and may be decided by the size, etc., of the light-transmitting/receiving unit. The “predetermined position of the scalp of the subject” denotes a position for measuring blood vessels not existing in the brain, which can be exemplified, for example, a position, etc., for measuring main arteries or veins existing within 1.5 cm from the scalp, arteries near the light-transmitting/receiving unit, or veins near the light-transmitting/receiving unit.

According to some embodiments, a photobiological measurement apparatus may provide doctors, laboratory technicians, etc., measurement data considering the skin blood flow data and the corresponding measurement positions, and therefore it may be possible to judge whether artifacts are generated in the measurement data or what artifacts are generated in which measurement data. As a result, doctors, laboratory technicians, etc., can discard certain measurement data, enabling accurate diagnosis of the cerebral activity of the subject.

Further, in the photobiological measurement apparatus according to some embodiments, the data display controller may be configured to display the measurement data in the predetermined range of the brain of the subject with a map, and also to display the skin blood flow data at a position near the predetermined position of the scalp of the subject in the map. The map may be a map in which positions are correlated to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space.

Further, in the photobiological measurement apparatus according to some embodiments, the apparatus may include a plurality of reference light-receiving probes, wherein the data display controller may be configured to display the measured data in the predetermined range of the brain of the subject with a map, and also to display the skin blood flow data in the predetermined rang of the scalp of the object.

Further, in the photobiological measurement apparatus according to some embodiments, the apparatus may include a morphological image display controller configured to obtain and display a scalp surface morphological image showing a scalp surface of the subject and/or a brain surface morphological image showing a brain surface of the subject, wherein the map may be displayed on a scalp surface morphological image and/or the brain surface morphological image in a superimposed manner.

The scalp surface morphological image showing the scalp surface of the subject may denote a three-dimensional morphological image created by extracting visual data showing a scalp surface from visual data of the subject created by a nuclear magnetic resonance image diagnostic device (hereinafter abbreviated as MRI), a CT image, etc. Further, the brain surface morphological image showing the brain surface of the subject may be a three-dimensional morphological image created by extracting visual data showing a brain surface from visual data of the subject created by an MRI, a CT image, etc.

A three-dimensional morphological image showing a scalp surface and a brain surface may be created, and therefore, regardless of individual difference of the cerebral anatomical structure, the cerebral activity can be considered in detail.

The above and/or other aspects, features and/or advantages of various embodiments will be further appreciated in view of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Various embodiments can include and/or exclude different aspects, features and/or advantages where applicable. In addition, various embodiments can combine one or more aspect or feature of other embodiments where applicable. The descriptions of aspects, features and/or advantages of particular embodiments should not be construed as limiting other embodiments or the claims.

In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “/”. It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. Unless indicated otherwise, these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first object could be termed a second object, and, similarly, a second object could be termed a first object without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to or “on” another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to or on the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). However, the term “contact,” as used herein refers to direct contact (i.e., touching) unless the context indicates otherwise.

Terms such as “same,” “planar,” or “coplanar,” as used herein when referring to orientation, layout, location, shapes, sizes, amounts, or other measures do not necessarily mean an exactly identical orientation, layout, location, shape, size, amount, or other measure, but are intended to encompass nearly identical orientation, layout, location, shapes, sizes, amounts, or other measures within acceptable variations that may occur, for example, due to manufacturing processes. The term “substantially” may be used herein to reflect this meaning.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present application, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a photobiological measurement apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a holder into which eight light-transmitting probes, eight light-receiving probes, and four reference light-receiving probes are inserted.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a monitor screen displaying an image obtained by the photobiological measurement apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a view showing another example of the monitor screen displaying images obtained by the photobiological measurement apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a view showing still another example of the monitor screen displaying images obtained by the photobiological measurement apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a view showing still yet another example of the monitor screen displaying images obtained by the photobiological measurement apparatus.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a relation between a pair of light-transmitting probe and light-receiving probe and a measurement position.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a relation between the reference light-receiving probe away from the light-transmitting probe by a short distance r1 and the light-receiving probe away from the light-transmitting probe by a long distance r2 and a measurement position.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing one example of a holder into which eight (8) light-transmitting probes and eight (8) light-receiving probes are inserted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments explained below, and covers various embodiments within a range not deviating from the spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a photobiological measurement apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing one example of a holder (light-transmitting/receiving unit) into which eight (8) light-transmitting probes, eight (8) light-receiving probes, and four (4) reference light-receiving probes are inserted. FIG. 3 is a view showing one example of a monitor screen displaying an image as a measurement result.

The photobiological measurement apparatus 1 is constituted by a holder 30, a light-emitting unit 2, a light-detecting unit 3, and a controller (computer) 20 which executes entire control of the photobiological measurement apparatus 1.

In FIG. 3, a three-dimensional morphological image 24 c showing the positional relation between a scalp surface image 24 a and a brain surface image 24 b is displayed. Further, on predetermined twenty-four (24) positions on the brain surface image 24 b, the measurement data 24 d is imaged, and on four (4) positions on the scalp surface image 24 a, the skin blood flow data 24 e is imaged. Each of the twenty-four (24) positions may correspond to an area between one of the light-transmitting probes 12 _(T1) to 12 _(T8) irradiate lights a neighboring one of the light-receiving probes 13 _(R1) to 13 _(R8). For example, receiving probe 13 _(R1) may be used to image a first area of the brain surface between receiving probe 13 _(R1) and light-transmitting probes 12 _(T1), a second area of the brain surface between receiving probe 13 _(R1) and light-transmitting probes 12 _(T2) and a third area of the brain surface between receiving probe 13 _(R1) and light-transmitting probes 12 _(T3) The measurement data 24 d and the skin blood flow data 24 e are shown by colors corresponding to the numerical values of the product of the change in oxyhemoglobin concentration and the optical path length [oxyHb] at a certain measurement time t. Further, the scalp surface image 24 a and the skin blood flow data are imaged translucently.

The holder 30 is provided with eight (8) light-transmitting probes 12 _(T1) to 12 _(T8), eight (8) light-receiving probes 13 _(R1) to 13 _(R8), and four (4) reference light-receiving probes 14 a to 14 d. The light-transmitting probes 12 _(T1) to 12 _(T8) irradiate lights, while the light-receiving probes 13 _(R1) to 13 _(R8) and the reference light-receiving probes 14 a to 14 d detect an amount of light.

The light-transmitting probes 12 _(T1) to 12 _(T8) and the light-receiving probes 13 _(R1) to 13 _(R8) are arranged alternately in the line direction and in the row direction in a square lattice-like manner. At this time, the second setting distance r2 which is an interval (channel) between the light-transmitting probe 12 _(T1) to 12 _(T8) and the light-receiving probe 13 _(R1) to 13 _(R8) is set to 30 mm.

Further, the reference light-receiving probe 14 a is arranged at a position between the light-transmitting probe 12 _(T1) and the light-receiving probe 13 _(R3) and away from the light-transmitting probe 12 _(T1) by a first setting distance r1. The first setting distance r1 which is an interval between the light-transmitting probe 12 _(T1) and the reference light-receiving probe 14 a is set to 10 mm. Then, the light-receiving probe 14 b is arranged at a position between the light-transmitting probe 12 _(T4) and the light-receiving probe 13 _(R2) and away from the light-transmitting probe 12 _(T4) by the first setting distance r1. The light-receiving probe 14 c is arranged at a position between the light-transmitting probe 12 _(T5) and the light-receiving probe 13 _(R7) and away from the light-transmitting probe 12 _(T5) by the first setting distance r1. The light-receiving probe 14 d is arranged at a position between the light-transmitting probe 12 _(T8) and the light-receiving probe 13 _(R6) and away from the light-transmitting probe 12 _(T8) by the first setting distance r1.

The light-emitting unit 2 emits light to a single light-transmitting probe 12 selected from eight (8) light-transmitting probes 12 _(T1) to 12 _(T8) in accordance with a driving signal input from the computer 20. As the aforementioned light, near-infrared light (e.g., three wavelength lights of 780 nm, 805 nm, and 830 nm) is used.

The light-detecting unit 3 separately detects near-infrared lights (e.g., three wavelength lights of 780 nm, 805 nm, and 830 nm) received by the eight (8) light-receiving probes 13 _(R1) to 13 _(R8) and outputs eight (8) first received light quantity information ΔA2 _(y)(λ₁), ΔA2 _(y)(λ₂) and ΔA2 _(y)(λ₃) (y=1, 2, . . . 8) to the computer 20. Further, the light-detecting unit 3 separately detects near-infrared lights (e.g., three wavelength lights of 780 nm, 805 nm, and 830 nm) received by the four (4) reference light-receiving probes 14 a to 14 d and outputs four (4) first received light quantity information ΔA1 _(m)(λ₁), ΔA1 _(m)(λ₂) and ΔA1 _(m)(λ₃) (y=1, 2, . . . 4) to the computer 20.

In the computer 20, a CPU 21 and a memory 25 are provided, and a display unit 23 having a monitor screen 23 a, etc., and an input device 22 having a keyboard 22 a, a mouse 22 b, etc., are connected to the CPU and the memory. Explaining the functions to be processed by the CPU 21 in a blocked manner, the CPU 21 includes a light-transmitting/receiving controller 40, a morphological image display controller 31, and a second received light quantity information acquisition unit 32, and a first received light quantity information acquisition unit 33, and a data display controller 34. Further, in the memory 25, a received light quantity information storage region 25 a for sequentially storing the received light quantity information ΔA1 _(m)(λ₁), ΔA1 _(m)(λ₂), ΔA1 _(m)(λ₃), ΔA2 _(y)(λ₁), ΔA2 _(y)(λ₂), and ΔA2 _(y)(λ₃), and an image data storage region 25 b for storing image data are formed.

The morphological image display controller 31 acquires visual data created by an MRI 50 before measurement, obtains scalp surface morphological image data by extracting the visual data showing a scalp surface and also obtains brain surface morphological image data by extracting the visual data showing a brain surface, and stores the scalp surface morphological image data and the brain surface morphological image data to the image data storage region 25 b. Here, the MRI 50 is configured to create visual data showing two-dimensional images in three directions. The visual data shows a subject including the scalp surface and the brain surface. Further, the visual data is constituted by a plurality of pixels having numerical values such as intensity information or phase information of an MR signal. As the aforementioned extracting methods, for example, an image region dividing method, such as, e.g., a region expansion method, a region merger method, or Heuristic law, using a plurality of pixels having numerical values such as intensity information or phase information of an MR signal, a method for extracting areas by connecting boundary elements, a method for extracting areas by deforming closed curves, can be exemplified.

The morphological image display controller 31 controls such that a three-dimensional morphological image 24 d showing the positional relation between the scalp surface image 24 a and the brain surface image 24 b is created by synthesizing the scalp surface morphological image data and the brain surface morphological image data stored in the image data storage based on the input signal output from the input device after the measurement, etc., and the three-dimensional morphological image 24 c is displayed on the monitor screen 23 a (see FIG. 3).

The light-transmitting/receiving section controller 40 includes a light emission controller 42 which outputs a driving signal to the light-emitting unit 2 and a light detection controller 43 which makes the received light quantity information storage region 25 a store received light quantity information ΔA1 _(m)(λ₁), ΔA1 _(m)(λ₂), ΔA1 _(m)(λ₃), ΔA2 _(y)(λ₁), ΔA2 _(y)(λ₂), ΔA2 _(y)(λ₃) upon receipt thereof from the light-detecting unit 3. The light emission controller 42 performs control of outputting a driving signal for transmitting light to the light-transmitting probe 12. The light detection controller 43 performs control of storing four (4) first received light quantity information ΔA1 _(m)(λ₁), ΔA1 _(m)(λ₂), and ΔA1 _(m)(λ₃) obtained from the light-detecting unit 3 and eight (8) second received light quantity information ΔA2 _(y)(λ₁), ΔA2 _(y)(λ₂), and ΔA2 _(y)(λ₃) obtained from the light-detecting unit 3 to the received light quantity information storage region 25 a. In detail, every time light is transmitted from a single light-transmitting probe 12, four (4) first received light quantity information ΔA1 _(m)(λ₁), ΔA1 _(m)(λ₂), and ΔA1 _(m)(λ₃) and eight (8) second received light quantity information ΔA2 _(y)(λ₁), ΔA2 _(y)(λ₂), and ΔA2 _(m)(λ₃) are stored in the received light quantity information storage region 25 a.

The second received light quantity information acquisition unit 32 performs control of acquiring the second received light quantity information ΔA2 _(x)(λ₁), ΔA2 _(x)(λ₂), and ΔA2 _(x)(λ₃) (channel number x=1, 2, . . . , 24) detected by the light-receiving probe 13 apart from the light-transmitting probe 12 by a second setting distance r2, among the second received light quantity information ΔA2 _(y)(λ₁), ΔA2 _(y)(λ₂), and ΔA2 _(y)(λ₃) stored in the received light quantity information storage region 25 a. In other words, twenty-four second received light quantity information ΔA2 _(x)(λ₁), ΔA2 _(x)(λ₂), and ΔA2 _(x)(λ₃) (x=1, 2, . . . 24) are acquired.

The first received light quantity information acquisition unit 33 performs control of acquiring the first received light quantity information ΔA1 _(n)(λ₁), ΔA1 _(n)(λ₂), and ΔA1 _(n)(λ₃) (channel number n=1, 2, . . . , 4) detected by the reference light-receiving probe 14 apart from the light-transmitting probe 12 by a first setting distance r1, among the first received light quantity information ΔA1 _(m)(λ₁), ΔA1 _(m)(λ₂), and ΔA1 _(m)(λ₃) stored in the received light quantity information storage region 25 a. In other words, four (4) first received light quantity information ΔA1 _(n)(λ₁), ΔA1 _(n)(λ₂), and ΔA1 _(n)(λ₃) (x=1, 2, . . . 4) are acquired.

The data display controller 34 performs control of displaying images of measurement data 24 d on twenty-four (24) predetermined positions (or areas) of the brain surface image 24 b by obtaining a product of the change in oxyhemoglobin concentration and the optical path length [oxyHb] and a product of the change in total hemoglobin concentration change and the optical path length ([oxyHb]+[deoxyHb]) as measurement data using the relational expression (1), (2) and (3), based on the second received light quantity information ΔA2 _(x)(λ₁), ΔA2 _(x)(λ₂), ΔA2 _(x)(λ₃) (x=1, 2, . . . , 24) stored in the received light quantity information storage region 25 a. The twenty-four (24) predetermined positions may respectively correspond to surface areas of the brain between a receiving probe 13 _(Rn) and light-transmitting probes 12 _(Tn). At this time, for example, products of the change in oxyhemoglobin concentration and the optical path length [oxyHb] at twenty-four (24) predetermined positions at a certain measurement time t is shown by colors based on a color table showing the correspondence relation between numeral values and colors. Further, each of twenty-four (24) predetermined positions of the brain surface image 24 b may be a site S of the subject positioned at a depth corresponding to a half of a distance of a line connecting the light-transmitting point T and the light-receiving point R along the scalp surface of the subject by the shortest distance from the midpoint M of the line connecting the transmitting point T and the light-receiving point R along the scalp surface of the subject by the shortest distance.

Further, the data display controller 34 performs control of displaying images of measurement data 24 d on twenty-four (24) predetermined positions of the brain surface image 24 b and also displaying images of the skin blood flow data 24 e on four (4) predetermined positions of the scalp surface image 24 a by obtaining the product of the change in oxyhemoglobin concentration and the optical path length [oxyHb], the product of the change in deoxyhemoglobin concentration and the optical path length [deoxyHb], and the product of the change in total deoxyhemoglobin concentration and the optical path length ([oxyHb]+[deoxyHb]) as scalp blood flow data using the relational expressions (1), (2), and (3), based on the first received light quantity information ΔA1 _(n)(λ₁), ΔA1 _(n)(λ₂), ΔA1 _(n)(λ₃) (n=1, 2, . . . , 4) stored in the received light quantity information storage region 25 a. At this time, for example, products of the change in oxyhemoglobin concentration and the optical path length [oxyHb] at four (4) predetermined positions at a certain measurement time t is shown by colors based on a color table showing the correspondence relation between numeral values and colors. Each of the four (4) predetermined positions may correspond to an area or location of the scalp located between one of the four light-receiving probes 14 a-14 d and a neighboring the light transmitting probe 12 _(Tn) (e.g., the nearest light transmitting probe 12 _(Tn) or one spaced by the first setting distance r1). Each of four (4) predetermined positions of the scalp surface image 24 a may be a mid-point M of a line connecting the light-transmitting point T and the light-receiving point R along the scalp surface of the subject by the shortest distance. With this, an image as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the monitor screen 23 a.

As explained above, according to the photobiological measurement apparatus 1, doctors, laboratory technicians, etc., can consider the measurement data 24 d considering the scalp blood flow data 24 e and the measurement positions using the image as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, it becomes possible to judge whether artifacts are generated in the measurement data 24 d or what artifacts are generated in which measurement data 24 d. As a result, doctors, laboratory technicians, etc., can discard certain measurement data 24 d, enabling accurate diagnosis of the cerebral activity of the subject. Further, the scalp surface image 24 a and the brain surface image 24 b are created, and therefore, regardless of individual difference of the brain anatomical structure, the cerebral activity can be considered in detail.

Other Embodiment

(1) In the aforementioned photobiological measurement apparatus 1, a structure is exemplified, in which the data display controller 34 performs an image display of measurement data 24 d on twenty-four (24) predetermined positions of the brain surface image 24 b. However, it can be configured such that the counter line map of the measurement data 24 d is displayed within a predetermined range of the brain surface image 24 b. Further, a structure is exemplified in which the data display controller 34 performs an image display of the scalp blood flow data 24 e of four (4) predetermined positions of the skin surface image 24 a. Each of the four (4) predetermined positions may correspond to an area or location of the scalp located between one of the four light-receiving probes 14 a-14 d and a neighboring the light transmitting probe 12 _(Tn) (e.g., the nearest light transmitting probe 12 _(Tn) or one spaced by the first setting distance r1). It also may be configured to perform an image display of a contour line map of the skin blood flow data 24 e within a predetermined range of the skin surface image 24 a. FIG. 4 is a view showing another example of a monitor screen displaying images.

In the aforementioned photobiological measurement apparatus 1, a structure is exemplified, in which the data display controller 34 performs an image display of measurement data 24 d on twenty-four (24) predetermined positions of the brain surface image 24 b. However, it can be configured to perform an image display of the contour line map of the measurement data 24 d without using the brain surface image 24 b. Further, a structure is exemplified in which the data display controller 34 performs an image display of the scalp blood flow data 24 e on four (4) predetermined positions of the skin surface image 24 a. However, it can be configured to perform an image display of a contour line map of the skin blood flow data 24 e without using the skin surface image 24 a. FIG. 5 is a view showing another example of a monitor screen displaying images.

(3) In the aforementioned photobiological measurement apparatus 1, a structure is exemplified, in which the data display controller 34 performs an image display of skin blood flow data 24 e on four (4) predetermined positions of the scalp surface image 24 a. However, it can be configured to perform an image display of the skin blood flow data 24 e near a predetermined position of the scalp of the subject with the contour line map of the measurement data 24 d without using the scalp surface image 24 a. FIG. 6 is a view showing still another example of a monitor screen displaying images.

The disclosed embodiments can be applied to a photobiological measurement apparatus for measuring cerebral activity in a noninvasive manner.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERAL

-   1 photobiological measurement apparatus -   12 light-transmitting probe -   13 light-receiving probe -   14 reference light-receiving probe -   22 input device -   23 display device -   30 holder (light transmitting/receiving unit) -   31 morphological image display acquisition unit -   32 second received light quantity information calculation unit -   33 first received light quantity information calculation unit -   34 data display controller -   50 MRI 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A photobiological measurement apparatus comprising: a light-transmitting/receiving unit having a plurality of light-transmitting probes to be arranged on a scalp surface of a subject, the plurality of light-transmitting probes including a first light-transmitting probe and a second light-transmitting probe that is adjacent the first light-transmitting probe with no other light-transmitting probes disposed therebetween, and a plurality of light-receiving probes to be arranged on the scalp surface including a plurality of reference light-receiving probes and a plurality of second light-receiving probes, each of the reference light-receiving probes arranged at a position away from a corresponding light-transmitting probe by a first setting distance, and each of the second light-receiving probes being arranged at a position away from the light-transmitting probe by a second setting distance greater than the first setting distance, wherein the plurality of light-receiving probes includes at least one reference-light receiving probe and at least one second light-receiving probe arranged between the first light-transmitting probe and the second light-transmitting probe; a second received light quantity information calculation unit configured to calculate measurement data relating to cerebral activity using second received light quantity information ΔA2 from the light-transmitting probes to the second light-receiving probes; and a first received light quantity information calculation unit configured to calculate skin blood flow data relating to a skin blood flow using first received light quantity information ΔA1 from the light-transmitting probes to the reference light-receiving probes.
 2. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising: an image storage configured to store a brain surface image or a scalp surface image of the subject; and a data displaying controller configured to display the measured data calculated by the second received light quantity information calculation unit at a position at which the second received light quantity information was obtained on the brain surface image or the scalp surface image.
 3. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the data displaying controller displays the measurement data calculated by the first received light quantity information calculation unit at a position at which the first received light information was obtained on the brain surface image or the scalp surface image stored in the image storage.
 4. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the second received light quantity information ΔA2 is data relating to blood vessels included in a skin of the subject near a light-transmitting point on the scalp surface, blood vessels included in a brain surface of the subject, and blood vessels included in a skin of the subject near a light-receiving point on the scalp surface.
 5. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the first received light quantity information ΔA1 is data relating only to blood vessels included in a skin of the subject near a light-transmitting point on the scalp surface.
 6. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a data displaying controller configured to simultaneously display the measurement data in a predetermined range of a brain of the subject and the skin blood flow data at a predetermined position of the scalp of the subject.
 7. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a data displaying controller configured to display the measurement data in a predetermined range of a brain of the subject with a map; and a morphological image display controller configured to obtain and display a scalp surface morphological image showing a scalp surface of the subject and/or a brain surface morphological image showing a brain surface of the subject, wherein the map is displayed on the scalp surface morphological image and/or the brain surface morphological image in a superimposed manner.
 8. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the first setting distance is 10 mm and the second setting distance is 30 mm.
 9. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of the second light-receiving probes is used to measure data relating to blood vessels included in a skin of the subject near a light-transmitting point on the scalp surface, blood vessels included in a brain surface of the subject, and blood vessels included in a skin of the subject near a light-receiving point on the scalp surface.
 10. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the reference light-receiving probes is used to measure data relating only to blood vessels included in a skin of the subject near a light-transmitting point on the scalp surface.
 11. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-transmitting probes further includes a third light-transmitting probe and a fourth light-transmitting probe that is adjacent the third light-transmitting probe with no other light-transmitting probes disposed therebetween; and wherein at least one second light-receiving probe arranged between the third light-transmitting probe and the fourth light-transmitting probe with no reference light-receiving probes disposed therebetween.
 12. A photobiological measurement apparatus comprising: a light-transmitting/receiving unit having a plurality of light-transmitting probes to be arranged on a scalp surface of a subject, and a plurality of light-receiving probes to be arranged on the scalp surface including a plurality of reference light-receiving probes and a plurality of second light-receiving probes, each of the reference light-receiving probes arranged at a position away from a corresponding light-transmitting probe by a first setting distance, and each of the second light-receiving probes being arranged at a position away from the light-transmitting probe by a second setting distance greater than the first setting distance, wherein, for some pairs of immediately neighboring light-transmitting probes, at least one reference-light receiving probe and at least one second light-receiving probe are arranged therebetween; a second received light quantity information calculation unit configured to calculate measurement data relating to cerebral activity using second received light quantity information ΔA2 received from the second light-receiving probes; and a first received light quantity information calculation unit configured to calculate skin blood flow data relating to a skin blood flow using first received light quantity information ΔA1 received from the reference light-receiving probes.
 13. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein, for other pairs of immediately neighboring light-transmitting probes, at least one second light-receiving probe are arranged therebetween with no reference light-receiving probes disposed therebetween.
 14. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of the second light-receiving probes is used to measure data relating to blood vessels included in a skin of the subject near a light-transmitting point on the scalp surface, blood vessels included in a brain surface of the subject, and blood vessels included in a skin of the subject near a light-receiving point on the scalp surface.
 15. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein each of the reference light-receiving probes is used to measure data relating only to blood vessels included in a skin of the subject near a light-transmitting point on the scalp surface.
 16. The photobiological measurement apparatus as recited in claim 12, further comprising a data displaying controller configured to simultaneously display the measurement data in a predetermined range of a brain of the subject and the skin blood flow data at a predetermined position of the scalp of the subject. 